“Rockstar” Q&A with Brad Holdhusen…
Always entertaining!
Photo Credit: Josh Stolberg
Today, I am excited to share a recent Q&A with my friend, colleague, Elvis fanatic, and Toxic A$$ets bandmate, Brad Holdhusen (Lead Vocals and Emcee)!
We explore his life-long relationship with music (especially that of the “King of Rock & Roll”) and some lessons he learned along the way; lessons that offer helpful ideas and reminders for both work and life. Like a ballad, each of our lives tells a story, many of which share a common thread. As you read Brad’s story, consider thinking about your own relationship with music (or any passion) or how music may have served as the soundtrack to your life.
Thanks for reading!
“Rockstar” Q&A
Featuring Brad Holdhusen a.k.a. “Hillbilly Holdy”
Toxic A$$ets: Lead Vocals and Emcee
“You can take the boy out of South Dakota… But you can’t take the South Dakota out of the boy.”
Q:
What were some of the earliest songs, albums, music videos, or artists you remember?
A:
I’ve got a pretty eclectic music palette… “Jump” by Van Halen, Greatest Hits: Elvis Presley, Ronnie Milsap, Alabama, George Strait, and Milli Vanilli. Why Milli Vanilli? I’m not sure that I can explain it to this day… But I had a hankering for it at that stage of my life. I acquired a Milli Vanilli cassette tape from my older brother, when I was in junior high. I threw it in my boom box and it lived there for weeks. The songs had a groove and the lyrics laid down such simple truths: “I'm in love with you, girl, 'cause you're on my mind. You're the one I think about most every time… (Girl, you know it's true. Ooh, ooh, ooh, I love you…)” […the one I think about “most” every time? At least they were honest…]. Ultimately, when the scandal broke, their tape went from my boom box to the trash can; I haven’t listened to those songs since. The whole thing was sad and disappointing.
Q:
Did you come from a “musical” household?
A:
No, not really. However, my Grandma Holdhusen was my biggest musical (vocal) influence in my life. She was always singing and whistling.
Q:
Who was (were) your biggest, personal musical influence(s) growing up?
A:
Definitely, my Grandma Holdhusen.
Q:
At what age did you leave the “aural nest” of your parent(s) or family, to go forth and discover your own music?
A:
Probably around age 10. My love for Elvis Presley’s music started in late-elementary school and only became stronger after a trip to Graceland, when I was in the 6th grade. At the time, I seemed to be the only one my age that liked Elvis. Stranger yet, no one in my family was really a fan of him. My love for Country music really set in during my college years and beyond.
Lamborn Farm
Q:
What was the first single or album that you purchased?
A:
“Sports” by Huey Lewis and the News (1983)
Q:
What musicians/artists influence(d) you most?
A:
Elvis, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Cody Jinks, George Strait, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Stevie Wonder, Motley Crue, Van Halen
Q:
Have you ever met any famous musicians/artists?
A:
Cody Jinks (who I met three times) and Anthony “Van Woodard” [Yours truly...]
Q:
What were some concerts/festivals that you have attended? Is there a favorite or most memorable?
A:
I’ve attended multiple “George Strait Country Music Festivals” (those made for some memorable summers...). I’ve seen Eric Church (who is awesome live and in concert), The Avett Brothers, and of course, Cody Jinks.
Q:
Did you sing and/or play an instrument when you were a child or young adult? If so, did you take lessons or were you self-taught (or was it a mixture of both)?
A:
I started “playin’ the geetar” during my sophomore year of high school. I am self-taught. I also played the single snare drum for my high school’s girls basketball pep band (...so I could attend the games for free).
Q:
Did you study music theory and composition?
A:
No, I never had the patience for that.
Q:
Do you like to write music, lyrics, or both?
A:
I have never tried to sit down and write a song. But I do have a list of song ideas and lyrics stored in my phone for when that day finally comes...
Q:
When first performing, did you experience stage fright? If so, how did you overcome it or even utilize it?
A:
In the 7th grade, I sang "Are You Lonesome Tonight" by Elvis Presley in front of a crowd at a karaoke booth in Nashville. I experienced no stage fright and loved it. I’ve been hooked ever since!
Q:
Have you ever had a song or performance professionally recorded in a studio?
A:
Yes. In December 2021, I recorded "Daddy Doesn't Pray Anymore" by Chris Stapleton and "Blue Christmas" by Elvis, as a Christmas present for my mom. Probably, one of my best memories, was singing on stage at Tootsies in Nashville.
Nashville is calling… Brad brought the house down at Tootsies in November 2019.
Q:
Do you like music history, musicology, and/or trivia?
A:
Yes, very much. I used to have a deck of music trivia cards that I’d carry around and challenge friends with; doesn’t take much to entertain me. Simple pleasures…
Q:
Currently, what are some of your favorite musical styles or genres? Is there a style or genre that you would like to learn more about?
A:
My favorite musical genres/styles are Country (especially Red Dirt), Americana, and Folk music.
Q:
Is there an instrument that you would like to learn how to play?
A:
I want to learn how to play drums and the piano. I’ve been told that I play the acoustic guitar with a drum-beat-style rhythm versus a more traditional “down/down, up/up, down/up” pattern; I think it’s because I secretly would rather play drums… Why Piano? Many say if you can play piano, you can play just about any instrument; I’m a little sad that my parents didn’t force piano lessons on me when I was a kid...
Q:
Are there other aspects of the music industry that interest you (e.g., producing, engineering, marketing, dance and choreography, style and design, artist management, etc.)?
A:
No, not really. I’m a simple man who likes playing the geetar and singing.
Q:
How has your relationship with music, including performing, helped you in your work life? Any applicable lessons or takeaways (e.g., more comfortable with public speaking or presenting to a large audience, stronger relationships with co-workers, etc.)?
A:
Absolutely! It taught me to not take myself too seriously. Just relax and enjoy yourself; you'll perform better that way... I've never really been afraid to speak in front of people or to get on a stage; over the years, my confidence has only strengthened, as I perform live more and more.
Q:
Has music helped you achieve a better work/life balance?
A:
No doubt. I integrate my love for live music (seeing it and performing it) into my life wherever possible, which ultimately creates a better work/life balance for me. I’ve played multiple private gigs for clients and friends. This allowed me some unique opportunities in business, but more importantly, in life. Playing music with people of different backgrounds and musical tastes (and talents) makes my life so much more enjoyable and interesting. In any career or occupation, where you need to build relationships and where you spend time with good people, it’s so much more fun when you can also incorporate a passion that you love dearly; live music is at the top of my list.
Q:
Are there any other items or insights that you would like to share or discuss?
A:
Again, don’t take life or yourself too seriously… And, live a life for others versus thinking life is all about you (it’s not). Apply those two simple principles to most anything in life and you’ll find your blood pressure will go down and you’ll have the opportunity to impact others in a positive way. God made “high horses” for crossin’ rivers - not to make your legs bow…